'Kill local Kneecap' poster appears on 12th of July fire in North
A bonfire in Eastvale Avenue, in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, features the group on a poster with the words 'Kill Your Local Kneecap', seemingly in response to a clip from a gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'
Meanwhile, the burning of a separate bonfire on Thursday in Co. Tyrone, which was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat, drew further condemnation. Kneecap. Pic: James Veysey/Shutterstock (15371539dt)
Controversy has surrounded the Belfast bonfire at Meridi Street, off Donegall Road, close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Thursday that the force would not agree to a request from Belfast City Council to remove the pyre.
Later, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said an inspection had taken place at the site. A statement said: 'The Northern Ireland Environment Agency can confirm that fragments of suspected asbestos were found at five locations around the site.
'Approximately 20kg of suspect material was identified and was immediately removed.' Bonfires in Northern Ireland in recent years. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Northern Ireland environment minister Andrew Muir, an Alliance Party MLA, told the BBC, 'There are many ways to celebrate, but not at this site'.
'Personally, I respect how important the 11th and 12th is, I understand its importance, but I'd plead with people to exercise caution and not to light this bonfire if they could. The removal of asbestos is very complex and delicate; it requires the site to be completely vacated. The site has not been vacated, and that's one of the important issues.'
Dr Alan Stout, chair of the British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Council, urged people to stay away from the site. PSNI Headquarters. Pic:Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan accused the DUP of political cowardice. He also urged people to stay away from the bonfire site.
'It's clear that this site is completely contaminated with asbestos – it beggars belief,' he said.
Hundreds of bonfires were due to be lit last night ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades today. The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth of July.
While most bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited.
A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat. Before the fire was lit, the PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire.
The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen lifesized mannequins wearing life jackets. Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees.'
Ahead of the fire being lit, the PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said the bonfire 'was clearly intended to dehumanise people who come to our island seeking a better life'.
He added: 'The effigies and displays were abhorrent, driven by vile, far-right and racist attitudes. I welcome that police are treating this as a hate incident. Diversity, inclusion and equality must always triumph over xenophobia and hate.'
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